Thymol, eugenol and lactobacilli in a medical device for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

The aim of this non-interventional, observational, multicentre, open-label study was to assess the effectiveness of a vaginal gel containing extracts of Thymus vulgaris and Eugenia caryophyllus in conjunction with two specific lactobacilli strains (Lactobacillus fermentum LF10 and Lactobacillus plantarum LP02) specifically formulated in slow-release vaginal capsules, in treating bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis disease (RVVC) [Estromineral Probiogel (EPB) in Italy, or Saugella Probiogel; Meda Pharma - Mylan Group]. There was a statistically significant improvement in pruritus, burning, vulvovaginal oedema and erythema, dyspareunia and vaginal secretions in all diagnostic groups. At the end of the study, the microbiological evaluation was normal in 80.0% of cases with BV, 62.5% of cases with VVC and 100.0% with RVVC. The clinical data allow EPB to be recommended in the acute treatment of VVC and BV, suggesting that EPB is a useful maintenance treatment if there are recurrent episodes. Controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of EPB in the treatment of recurrences and to identify the most appropriate dosage regimen.